Trek Fuel EX8 vs Specialized Stumpjumper FSR vs Spec. Camber Comp

I'm now riding a HT with 80mm fork. I just demo'd the Trek Fuel and the Superfly. I rode both bikes in Descend mode. This was my first time on a FS bike, what a freaking difference. I liked the Fuel better because I didn't notice any difference in efficiency and even if I had the suspension has the CTD system anyway if I was on a smooth fire road you could switch it to trail. The fuel is 120mm and the superfly is 100mm.

My other option and I haven't ridden either is with Specialized. Stumpjumper FSR or the Camber comp. The Stumpy has 130mm and Camber 110mm. The Stumpy also has the brain (+/-?)

So while the Superfly seems good I think a little more travel would be good. The Stumpy might be overkill by the brain might make the difference. I really liked the fuel and could definitely live with it. The Camber might be the perfect compromise. All the bikes in 29er.

I usually ride rolling rocky rooty bumpy single track/ rough XC style no climbs or descents bigger than around 200 vert feet. I don't race. Opinions?

I usually ride rolling rocky rooty bumpy single track/ rough XC style no climbs or descents bigger than around 200 vert feet. I don't race. Opinions?

Disclaimer: I haven't ridden any of the bikes you've mentioned.

I'd go with the least amount of travel. 100mm front and back on a 29er is plenty for rough XC. Given the rolling terrain you're probably going to be hammering a lot in short bursts and you're probably not going to be packing up your shocks on multiple fast hits. That would push me towards a lighter and more pedal friendly setup.

I'd go with the least amount of travel. 100mm front and back on a 29er is plenty for rough XC. Given the rolling terrain you're probably going to be hammering a lot in short bursts and you're probably not going to be packing up your shocks on multiple fast hits. That would push me towards a lighter and more pedal friendly setup.

That's what I was thinking too but then I rode the Fuel and liked it fine and it flew downhill. Initially I was thinking Specialized Epic. I think I'll ride the Camber if I can. So far the only one I've ruled out is the Stumpy.

That's what I was thinking too but then I rode the Fuel and liked it fine and it flew downhill. Initially I was thinking Specialized Epic. I think I'll ride the Camber if I can. So far the only one I've ruled out is the Stumpy.

Fuel, superfly, Camber or Epic. 120, 110, or 100 hmmmmm.....

I have a Fuel 29er, and had a Superfly FS. The Fuel suspension does pedal better and is more efficient...no doubt it pedals better when set up properly, and takes bumps and big hits better. I don't think you give up a lot by going to the Fuel, but gain a lot. If you are buying a race bike it is a completely different story, but for trail riding like you describe, the Fuel is definitely the way to go and 120-130mm in general is better for that IMO. I have test ridden the Specy bikes you list, and IMO the suspension on the Fuel is better, while handling is in the same ball park...so my opinion is the Trek is an overall better bike.

Got the Fuel Ex 8. Awesome bike. I did my usual 18 mile ride 20 minutes faster than on the HT. Except I was going downhill so fast the second time I rode it I clipped a tree. I'll be looking a little farther up the trail from now on!